17 times the previous year's figure! The "phablet" market is growing rapidly.

In India's smartphone market, the presence of "phablets" is growing. Phablet is a portmanteau of "Phone" and "Tablet." These are smartphones with slightly larger screen sizes (5 to 7 inches) that incorporate tablet-like functionality.

According to The Economic Times online edition, market research firm IDC's mobile phone sales statistics for April to June this year show phablet sales reached 2.8 million units—about 17 times the 160,000 units sold in the same period last year. Their share of the smartphone market expanded from 5% to 30%.

Models with 5-inch screens are particularly popular. By manufacturer, local companies like Micromax and CarbonMobiles hold half the total market share. Their low-price strategy, significantly undercutting foreign brands, is proving successful. Indian companies are accelerating their shift towards phablets in response to this trend.

Additionally, Business Standard Online reported that HCL Infosystems, which handles information technology and hardware, is considering launching phablets in the European market. The move aims to capture consumers seeking "value for money." The company currently markets its products in India, neighboring Nepal, Middle Eastern countries including Saudi Arabia and Turkey, and African nations including South Africa.